Arizona backyards are full of surprises, from small critters to larger wildlife. I’ve spotted a few myself while enjoying the outdoors.
Being aware of what might appear helps you plan for safety and fun. Backyard wildlife can be fascinating once you know what to expect.
1. Javelina
Resembling wild pigs with their bristly gray coats, javelinas are actually peccaries that travel in groups called squadrons. Arizona homeowners often find these stocky creatures munching on prickly pear cacti, which they eat spines and all!
They have terrible eyesight but an incredible sense of smell. Keep your distance if you spot them because they can become aggressive when startled, especially if babies are nearby.
Secure your garbage cans and avoid leaving pet food outside to discourage visits from these desert dwellers.
2. Gila Monster
With beaded scales that look like tiny orange and black jewels, the Gila monster is one of only two venomous lizards in North America. Arizona residents lucky enough to spot one should admire from afar because their bite, while rarely fatal, is extremely painful.
These slow-moving reptiles spend most of their time underground in burrows. They emerge mainly during warmer months to hunt for eggs and small prey.
Fun fact: They can eat up to one-third of their body weight in a single meal!
3. Coyote
Hearing their distinctive howls at night has become a normal soundtrack for many Arizona neighborhoods. Coyotes are incredibly adaptable and have learned to thrive alongside human development.
These clever canines typically hunt alone or in pairs, searching for rabbits, rodents, and unfortunately sometimes small pets. Never leave cats or small dogs unattended outside, especially during dawn and dusk when coyotes are most active.
If you encounter one, make yourself appear large and make loud noises to scare it away.
4. Desert Tortoise
Spotting one of these ancient-looking creatures is a special treat since they’re a threatened species protected by law. Desert tortoises can live over 80 years and spend most of that time in underground burrows to escape Arizona’s extreme temperatures.
Their domed shells and stumpy legs make them unmistakable. They emerge mainly during spring to feast on wildflowers and grasses.
If you find one in your yard, never relocate it or take it home as a pet.
5. Bobcat
About twice the size of a house cat with a stubby tail and tufted ears, bobcats are skilled hunters that prowl Arizona neighborhoods looking for rabbits and rodents. Most residents never see them because they’re incredibly stealthy and prefer hunting at twilight.
Their spotted coats provide perfect camouflage among desert rocks and brush. They’re generally shy around humans and will avoid confrontation.
Attacks on people are extremely rare, but keep small pets indoors during early morning and evening hours.
6. Roadrunner
Faster than the cartoon suggests, these quirky birds can sprint up to 20 miles per hour across Arizona yards chasing lizards and insects. Roadrunners have shaggy crests, long tails, and make a cooing sound quite different from the famous beep-beep.
They’re perfectly adapted to desert life and rarely need to drink water, getting moisture from their prey instead.
Watch them sunbathe with wings spread wide on cool mornings, soaking up warmth before starting their hunting day.
7. Rattlesnake
Nothing gets your heart racing quite like hearing that unmistakable rattle warning you’ve gotten too close. Several rattlesnake species call Arizona home, with the Western Diamondback being the most common backyard visitor.
They’re most active during summer evenings when temperatures cool down. Always watch where you step and never reach into areas you can’t see clearly.
If bitten, stay calm and get to a hospital immediately. Most bites happen when people try to handle or kill the snake.
8. Ringtail Cat
Despite the name, these adorable creatures are actually related to raccoons, not cats. Arizona homeowners rarely spot them because they’re strictly nocturnal and incredibly shy.
Their enormous eyes, fluffy ringed tails, and cat-like agility make them excellent climbers. Miners once kept them as pets to control rodent populations in camps, earning them the nickname miner’s cat.
You might only know they’ve visited by finding their distinctive tracks around your property in the morning.
9. Harris’s Hawk
Unique among raptors, these chocolate-brown hawks with rusty shoulders actually hunt in family groups across Arizona neighborhoods. They’re incredibly social birds that work together to catch rabbits, lizards, and other prey.
You’ll often see them perched on utility poles, saguaros, or backyard trees scanning for movement below. Their cooperative hunting style is rare among birds of prey.
Arizona residents love having them around because they help control rodent populations naturally without using harmful poisons or traps.